FARGO (KFGO) - Two weeks ago Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn asked for a rundown on the local government cost to resettle refugees and immigrants.
Piepkorn said at the time, it was an unfunded mandate that was costing taxpayers millions of dollars. Information presented last night by the city planning office and Lutheran Social Services, was not detailed enough for Piepkorn. He wants more research done on the true cost of resettlement.
He said, "this is a serious issue and I want serious time spent on this, minute by minute, penny by penny." Piepkorn is upset because the city doesn't have any say in how many refugees are resettled.
Commissioner John Strand welcomes discussion about resettlement but he said helping refugees is "ministry, compassion and sharing of our abundance with others in need..."
At Strand's recommendation, commissioners voted to refer the matter to the city human relations commission and report back in February with it's findings.